History of the Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the United States Congress on members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." Read more

Types of Medals

The Medal of Honor has evolved in appearance since its creation in 1862. The present Army medal consists of a gold star surrounded by a wreath, topped by an eagle on a bar inscribed with the word "Valor." The medal is attached by a hook to a light blue moiré silk neckband. There is a version of the medal for each sub-cabinet component of the Department of Defense: the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force. Read more

Podcasts

The Pritzker Military Library's Executive Producer, Ed Tracy, hosts live, monthly interviews with recipients of the Medal of Honor. Each program can be seen online at The Pritzker Military Library.

Tribute to our Editor

James S. Vlasto, the editor of Medal of Honor News, was dedicated to preserving the history of our war heroes and to spreading awareness about the Medal of Honor and those brave veterans who served in our armed forces.Some people, believe me, don’t know what the Medal of Honor is, I run across it all the time,” he said.Read More

East Room 3:15 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Please be seated. Thank you, Chaplain Hurley. Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Mattis, Secretary Shulkin, Senator Stabenow, Congressman Upton, and members of the Armed Forces: Thank you for joining us as we award our nation’s highest military honor to Specialist Five J... Read more

On July 31, 2017, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to former Specialist Five James C. McCloughan, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War. McCloughan received the Medal of Honor for distinguished actions during 48 hours of close-combat fighting against enemy forces near Don Que, Vietn... Read more

Oval Office 4:11 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. This is a great honor for me. These are very, very brave people standing behind me. And we’re here today to mark Medal of Honor Day, and it is my great privilege and high honor to welcome 25 Medal of Honor recipients to our Read more

Beyond the Medal of Honor
Beyond the Medal of Honor profiles four of America's greatest military heroes. For their specific actions each one was awarded our nation's highest supreme honor The Congressional Medal of Honor. Read more...

Medal of Honor Websites

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

On August 5, 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation sent to him by Congress chartering the Congressional Medal of Honor Society... Visit Website

Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

Perpetuating a Legacy of Courage, Sacrifice and Patriotism... Visit Website

Home of Heroes

Preserving the History of Recipients of the Medal of Honor
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U.S Army Center of Military History

Full list of Medal of Honor citations courtesy of the United States Army
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